Denis Gurianov’s third period goal the difference for Texas Stars in 4-3 win vs the Rampage

Texas didn’t have their Swamp Rabbit recruits, but they did get back some former Dallas Stars. Denis Gurianov was one of the critical returning heroes as Texas escaped the 9th one goal game against San Antonio with Wednesday’s 4-3 win.

For the first several minutes of the game, neither team could chamber anything on the net. San Antonio got on board first thanks to a fortuitous bounce. The puck fluttered around on the rebound, and the pick angled off Jason Dickinson’s skate and past Justin Peters.

Rocco Grimaldi got credit for the tally.

Derek Laxdal’s first line of Dickinson with Remi Elie and Gurianov played as advertised; pressuring San Antonio like an NHL quality trio.

Late in the period, with literally seconds to go, Matej Stransky dangled into the offensive zone with Gemel Smith. Stransky fluttered a pass through the defender that Smith deflected up and over Joe Cannata.

The second period was penalty heavy. Texas was the first to capitalize on the special teams collision. Gavin Bayreuther carried it on the power play, which led to a slick interaction between Smith and Matt Mangene, who tallied one on the breakaway.

Smith nearly potted one on the penalty kill after hitting a breakaway. Cannata went brickwall on him to prevent the glove side attempt.

Texas couldn’t kill the penalty for long, however. Chris Bigras slapped the puck from the blueline to tie the game.

Just seconds later Mark McNeil broke through the zone and slid a pass to a streaking Cole Ully, who tipped it past Cannata for the 3-2 lead.

San Antonio fittingly answered right back just a minute later thanks to Reid Petryk.

With the penalties held in check, the Stars and Rampage once again played a tight contest. San Antonio got a few looks, including some with the extra attacker in the waning minutes but Peters stood tall.